Worker Dies After D.C. Fall

WASHINGTON (AP) _ A construction worker died Tuesday after falling eight stories from the roof of a House office building, fire and police officials said.

The victim was identified as Dennis Weins, 44, a sheet metal worker residing in Lanham, Maryland.

Weins was doing roof replacement work when he fell from scaffolding atop the Longworth House Office Building, U.S. Capitol Police Deputy Chief J.P. Rohan said. He said the fall appeared to be an accident.

The contract employee was taken to D.C. General Hospital where he was pronounced dead, D.C. Fire officials said.

Rep. Bill Thomas, R-Calif., chairman of the House Administration Committee, said he was asking the chairman of the Capitol Police Board for an immediate investigation of the death.

``This tragic accident underscores the need to ensure the safest possible working conditions for every person employed to work on the Capitol grounds,″ said Steny Hoyer, D-Md., top Democrat on the committee.

The Longworth building, one of three House buildings for lawmaker offices and committee and hearing rooms, is located across Independence Avenue from the Capitol Building.